How to Get a Borehole Permit in Kenya: WRA Steps Before You Drill

Updated 31 October 2026

Before borehole drilling in Kenya, you need approval from the Water Resources Authority (WRA): a hydrogeological survey, an application, and an authorisation to construct works, followed by a water use permit once the borehole is complete. Drilling without authorisation is an offence under the Water Act 2016, and WRA can disconnect or demolish illegal works at the owner’s cost. These are the steps as published on WRA’s permitting page.

Updated October 2026.

Why you need a permit

Under section 5 of the Water Act 2016, every water resource in Kenya belongs to the national government in trust for the people. Landowners do not own the groundwater under their land; they get a right to use it through a permit. Permits help WRA share water fairly and protect the reserve kept for basic human needs and the environment.

Water use categories

WRA groups applications into four categories:

• Category A: low-risk, social water use, mainly domestic.
• Categories B, C and D: increasing levels of economic use, where the user pays for water used.

The category determines who approves your application, how detailed the supporting reports must be, and what fees you pay. Ask your WRA sub-regional office which category applies before you commission reports.

Step-by-step: WRA borehole permit process

1. Hydrogeological survey. Hire a licensed hydrogeologist to assess the site and write a report. This is attached to your application.
2. Apply. Submit the application with attachments through WRA (including its eCitizen customer portal) and pay the assessment fee for your category.
3. File registration. WRA enters the application into its permit database with a unique file number.
4. Public notification and site visit. The application is publicised and WRA verifies the site.
5. Technical evaluation by a regional technical committee.
6. Authorisation to construct works. Category A gets an approval, Category B an authorisation; C and D go through further committees, with D decided at headquarters.
7. Drill within the authorisation’s time limit, or apply for an extension.
8. Submit completion documents: completion certificate, borehole completion record, water quality analysis report, and pay the permit fee.
9. Final inspection by WRA officers.
10. Permit issued for categories B, C and D. Permits are renewable every five years.

Using water on an authorisation alone, without a permit, is illegal.

Other approvals you may need

• NEMA: larger projects may need an Environmental Impact Assessment licence.
• County: some counties require their own approvals for works on your property.
• Licensed driller: use a driller registered with WRA; practising without professional licences is an offence.

Staying compliant after drilling

• Install a meter and controlling devices.
• Pay water use charges on time.
• Abstract only within your permitted limits and only for permitted uses.
• Do not sell water on a domestic permit.
• Renew the permit before it expires.

Budgeting for a borehole

Total cost depends on depth, geology, casing, pump type (hand, solar or electric) and storage. Get written quotes from at least two licensed drillers covering the survey, drilling per metre, casing, test pumping and pump installation, and add WRA and NEMA fees. If the borehole serves rental property, see our guide to rental income tax for how costs are treated.

WRA contacts

WRA headquarters: NHIF Building, Wing B, 9th Floor, Ngong Road, Nairobi. Tel 020 273 2291; 24-hour line 0700 056 472; email info@wra.go.ke. WRA has 33 offices at national, regional and sub-regional levels.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to drill a borehole in Kenya?

Yes. You need WRA authorisation before drilling and a water use permit before using the water.

How long is a WRA water permit valid?

Five years, renewable.

What happens if I drill without a permit?

WRA can disconnect your system, demolish the works at your cost, confiscate equipment and prosecute.

What documents are needed after drilling?

A completion certificate, borehole completion record, water quality analysis report and the permit fee.

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